| My Father, Frank: The Forgotten Alpinist Contributor(s): Smythe, Tony (Author) |
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ISBN: 1594859140 ISBN-13: 9781594859144 Publisher: Mountaineers Books OUR PRICE: $17.96 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: February 2015 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Sports & Recreation | Mountaineering - Biography & Autobiography | Adventurers & Explorers |
| Dewey: B |
| LCCN: 2014031342 |
| Series: Legends and Lore |
| Physical Information: 1" H x 6" W x 8.9" (1.14 lbs) 384 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: -*Biography of a seminal, but often unheralded, figure in high-altitude climbing -*Written by his son, Tony, Frank Smythe was himself a prolific author -*Important addition to Mountaineer Books' Legends and Lore series Frank Smythe, like Eric Shipton, is associated with early Everest explorations and was a member of three expeditions to the mountain. At a time when it was ungentlemanly to make a living by climbing, Smythe wrote more than a dozen popular books based upon his travels to high places -- one of them being the first ascent of Kamet (25,447 feet) in 1931, which was the first time any climber had gone beyond 25,000 feet. Two years later, he reached the highest point climbed on Everest (28,200 feet). He also climbed in Britain, the Alps, Canada, and Alaska. He and Graham Brown established two new routes on the Brevna face of Mont Blanc. In short, he has serious climbing credentials. As the title hints, this is a biography by Frank's son Tony, but it isn't based solely on personal memories; Frank was away from home for long periods and died when Tony was only fourteen. Instead, this book is based on thirteen years of research: Frank's parents' meeting and marriage, Frank's early school years, his first climbs, his training for various jobs, his gradual rise to fame and fortune, his friendships, his war years, and his sudden death are all covered. Like his father, Tony has a strong understanding of how to tell a story that appeals to both climbers and general lovers of nonfiction adventures. This title is part of our LEGENDS AND LORE series. Click here > to learn more. |
Contributor Bio(s): Smythe, Tony: - Tony Smythe was born in 1934. After leaving school he joined the Royal Air Force, serving for eight years as a pilot flying Canberras and Javelins, before resigning to devote more time to climbing and traveling. His many expeditions took him to the Alps, the Himalayas, Eastern Europe and Russia, Canada, Alaska, and South America. He has lectured and written extensively for journals and magazines about his adventures. He lives with his wife in Kendal, Cumbria, UK. Learn more about his legendary father at www.franksmythe.co.uk. |